Go and do likewise

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Go and do likewiseOur Lady of LourdesWorld Day of the Sick

It was on February 11, 1858 that The Blessed Virgin Mary, who identified herself as “The Immaculate Conception, began a series of appearances to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes. Since that time, this site has been a place of pilgrimage that generated a renewal of faith and healing. Because of the many miraculous cures that occurred there, in 1992, St. Pope John Paul II designated this day as "World Day of the Sick".

. This celebration is under the sponsorship of the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care. It has 3 themes

• To remind the faithful to pray intensely and sincerely for those who are sick• To invite Christians to reflect on and respond to human suffering. • To recognize and honor all persons who work in health care and serve as caregivers.

One year the message of Pope Benedict XVI was taken from the parable of the good Samaritan. This is a quote from a part of his message:

“The Gospel parable recounted by Saint Luke is part of a series of scenes and events taken from daily life by which Jesus helps us to understand the deep love of God for every human being, especially those afflicted by sickness or pain. With the concluding words of the parable of the Good Samaritan, “Go and do likewise,” the Lord also indicates the attitude that each of his disciples should have towards others, especially those in need. We need to draw from the infinite love of God, through an intense relationship with him in prayer, the strength to live day by day with concrete concern, like that of the Good Samaritan, for those suffering in body and spirit who ask for our help, whether or not we know them and however poor they may be.“

Let’s take some time to day To Prayer for those among us who are sick,To help anyone who comes into our lives who needs care,To thank God and honor the caregivers in our lives.